Description
Banana Oat Bars deliver comfort straight from my kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. These simple bars pack wholesome goodness that feels like a warm hug from breakfast to snack time.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
Sweeteners and Moisture:
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
Seasonings and Binders:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit an 8×8-inch baking dish, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
- Take 2 ripe bananas (225g or 1 cup) and mash them thoroughly with a fork until completely smooth and creamy.
- Add ¼ cup (60ml) unsweetened applesauce, ¼ cup (60ml) maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix until everything blends seamlessly.
- Incorporate 1 ½ cups (135g) old-fashioned oats, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir until your mixture looks consistent.
- Optional: Gently fold in 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Your bars are ready when the top appears set and edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely inside the pan. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire batch out. Slice into 9-12 rectangular bars using a sharp knife.
Notes
- Ripe bananas are key for natural sweetness, so choose ones with plenty of brown spots for maximum flavor.
- Experiment with mix-ins like chia seeds, chopped almonds, or dried cranberries to customize the bars to your taste preferences.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats and check that all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week for extended freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 141 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 109 mg
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg